Van Residents Remember Tornado, Look to Future

VAN — Van residents are looking back — and looking ahead — more than a year after a major local tragedy. On Mother’s Day last year, a devastating tornado hit the city. KETK reports that since then, residents have been picking up the pieces from that tragic day. The tornado left dozens of people injured and killed two. But the town has come together with fundraisers and cleanups to help pick up what was left behind by the tornado. And in remembrance of the tragic event, the community came together this week to celebrate its unity. Residents say last year’s hardships made their community stronger. One year later, they’re celebrating life and remembering the two who lost theirs.

Allison Young’s home was heavily damaged. But she says, “It’s unbelievable how much this town has come together and worked to rebuild and formed relationships you never thought you would’ve formed. Ken Strom’s home was also hit hard by the twister. He adds, “We didn’t have to do a lot of asking, it was just a lot of people saying, “Can we help?” The Strom family bought another house not far from its old one. Young is still in her home, but making repairs.